Reporting Sexual Assault

WHAT IS TITLE IX?

Title IX refers to a comprehensive federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity. Title IX prohibits the use of federal money to support sex discrimination in education programs and provides individual citizens effective protection against those practices. Title IX applies, with a few specific exceptions, to all aspects of federally funded education programs or activities. In addition to traditional educational institutions such as colleges, universities, and elementary and secondary schools, Title IX also applies to any education or training program operated by a recipient of federal financial assistance.

Title IX Office
Julian M. Carroll
Academic Services Building
Suite 537
400 East Main St.
Frankfort, KY 40601

Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Phone: 502-597-6043

University Definition of Consent 

The Kentucky State University Title IX policy defines consent as:

“Words or actions demonstrating a knowing and voluntary agreement to engage in mutually agreed-upon sexual activity. Consent is determined based on the totality of the circumstances. Consent to some sexual contact (such as kissing or fondling) cannot be presumed to be consent for other sexual activity (such as intercourse). A current or previous intimate relationship is not sufficient to constitute consent. Silence or the absence of resistance alone is not consent. A person can withdraw consent at any time during sexual activity by expressing in words or actions that he or she no longer wants the act to continue, and, if that happens, the other person must stop immediately. Consent cannot be obtained by: Force or Coercion; by ignoring or acting in spite of the objections of another; or by taking advantage of the incapacitation of another.”

Definition of Sexual Harassment 

The following conduct constitutes sexual harassment under the Kentucky State University Title IX policy:

  • Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment
  • Hostile Environment
  • Sexual Assault
  • Dating Violence
  • Stalking
  • Domestic Violence

For more definitions and all prohibited conduct, please refer to the complete Kentucky State University Policy and Procedures on Sexual Harassment as Defined Under Title IX and other Sexual Misconduct.

Reporting Options

Any person may file a report if you suspect a Title IX violation. You may file both a criminal and University complaint regarding sexual harassment and/or sexual misconduct by contacting Kentucky State University Police, local police, the Kentucky State University Title IX coordinator and any responsible employee at Kentucky State University.

A responsible employee at Kentucky State University is “An employee who has the authority to take action to redress sexual harassment or sexual misconduct; or has the duty to report incidents of Sexual Harassment or sexual misconduct to appropriate school officials, or is an individual reasonably believed to have this authority or duty.”

For practical purposes, all University employees with the exception of confidential resources have the responsibility to report sexual harassment or misconduct to the Title IX coordinator.

Medical Treatment and Preservation of Evidence 

To preserve evidence of sexual misconduct

  • Don’t bathe or shower
  • Don’t use the restroom
  • Don’t change your clothes
  • Don’t brush your teeth

If you are a victim of sexual assault, you should go to the Frankfort Regional Medical Center emergency room for medical assistance:

Frankfort Regional Medical Center
299 Kings Daughters Dr
Frankfort, KY 40601

You should also contact the Ampersand Sexual Violence Resource Center of the Bluegrass, which can provide a nurse and/or advocate to assist you through the examination process:

Ampersand Sexual Violence Resource Center of the Bluegrass
1-800-656-HOPE

Sexually transmitted infections and treatment of injuries can be addressed by the local hospitals or the Kentucky State University Student Health Services.

Confidential Resources 

If you have been sexually assaulted, you should first go to a safe place. Then call the police or someone you trust. This could be a family member, friend, counselor, etc. There are numerous resources available to you on and off campus. Students who wish to talk about sexual harassment and misconduct issues confidentially and without initiating a report or investigation can contact the following resources:

ON CAMPUS

Center for Emotional Wellness
Student Center, 3rd Floor
502-597-6969 

Nurse Practitioner 
Rosenwald Center
502-597-6277

Baptist Campus Ministries
495 East Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-597-6423

Wesley Foundation
400 East Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-744-3054

OFF CAMPUS 

Legal Aid of the Bluegrass
1-800-888-8189

Crisis Center
Ampersand Sexual Violence Resource Center of the Bluegrass (formerly Bluegrass Rape Crisis Center)
2025 Regency Road
Lexington KY 40507
1-800-656-HOPE

Supportive Measures

When a report is made to the Title IX coordinator, supportive measures may be offered to one or both parties. Supportive measures include, but are not limited to:

  • Referral to counseling and health services;
  • Referral to the Employee Assistance Program;
  • Education to the community;
  • Alteration of the housing situation of respondent (resident student or resident employee);
  • Alteration of the housing situation of the complainant (resident student or resident employee), if desired;
  • Limitations of contact between the parties, up to and including issuance of a no contact order;
  • Adjustments to academic deadlines and course schedules;
  • Altering work arrangements for employees; and
  • Other remedies appropriate to each individual situation

Supportive measures are non-disciplinary, non-punitive, individualized services and are offered free of charges to individuals following a report.